existence of a future and more perfect state; but whether or not its duration was to be endless she could not ascertain.* And this is by no means surprising; for surely a much less splendid reward than an unfading crown, a much less degree and duration of bliss than an exceeding and an eternal weight of glory might be sufficient to recompense the most righteous that ever lived, (even supposing them to be meritorious), for all the short-lived trials and troubles which they could suffer upon earth.-ETERNAL LIFE, therefore, is constantly and justly represented in Scripture as the GIFT, the FREE GIFT of God through Jesus Christ; † and that this FREE GIFT shall be everlastingly enjoyed, none but God himself could promise, or when promised, fulfil. Accordingly, it is the gospel of Christ only that with clearness and certainty declares ETERNAL LIFE to be the unalienable

* Indeed some of the wisest and best of the pagan philo sophers, instead of entertaining any doubts on this subject, declared it as their fixed opinion, that at some future period the soul would be extinguished. Though they sometimes professed to believe that it would exist after death, yet they de nied that it would exist for ever. Stoici-diu mansuros aiunt animos, semper negant. Cicero. + Rom. v, 18, vi, 23,

inheritance of man: that convinces him, beyond the possibility of doubt, that though his body moulder into dust, yet his soul, his better part, shall never die, and that even the body itself shall one day shake off the dishonours of the grave, rise more illustrious from its ruins, and become glorious, incorruptible, immortal.

BUT not only does the gospel give us the purest and most exalted ideas of the pleasures and honours of a future state, and of their eternal duration: it likewise points out to us the only way in which we can arrive at the enjoyment of them.-With this it is absolutely necessary that we should be perfectly acquainted; for in vain is a state of eternal felicity and glory revealed to us, if the way is not also revealed, in which we must walk in order to reach it. But full information on this head the religion of nature was unable to supply; for the light which she afforded was fitted for those only who had never violated the laws of virtue : who in no one instance had ever gone astray. Now, though to such innocent beings her guidance might prove sufficient, yet what shall become of us who

are sinners? What shall we do to regain that state of honour and happiness which we have so justly forfeited? What shall we do to obtain that immortal crown which by our crimes has fallen from our head?— We may indeed resolve to repent; but though of ourselves we could repent, are we sure that our repentance will be accepted? Will future obedience, which is no more than our duty, make an atonement for past transgressions ?-Besides, what will it avail us to repent of our offences today, if we shall be overtaken in the same or similar offences to-morrow?-These are difficulties which the religion of nature could not solve; but which the gospel of Christ has completely removed. It assures us that all who repent shall have their sins forgiven them, because their Redeemer died, and be sanctified and 'guided unto all truth,' because the Comforter is come. Jesus is the

way, and the truth, and the life;' and if we follow and trust in Him we shall have life everlasting. By his death and resurrection He has opened the gates of heaven, and made not only clear, but luminous, the path by which we are to enter in. And to make this path still more easy and agreeable, He

has trodden it himself before us. It is not only pointed out by his precepts, but also marked by his example, and consecrated by his blood. If then we believe and obey the Lord Jesus Christ we shall certainly be saved. If we go to the Father through Him we shall in nowise be cast out.

SUCH then is the light which the gospel has thrown upon the doctrine of a future state. It has made the evidence for our belief in it much more perspicuous and certain and it has afforded much additional information concerning it, which could not have been obtained by any efforts of unassisted reason.It has given us the purest and most exalted ideas of the pleasures and honours of a future state: it has assured us of their eternal duration, and what is of equal importance, it has clearly pointed out the only way in which we can arrive at the enjoyment of them. Now, on all these accounts it is justly said our Saviour Jesus Christ_hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.'

that

MAY the glorious discoveries afforded

T

by the gospel fill our hearts with the most ardent gratitude! Let us think of the dignity which they give to our character and condition, of the comfort and joy which they introduce into our dwellings, and then let us ask ourselves if the sublimest gratitude which our souls can feel is not due to the Father of mercies? He guides and supports us while we live, and forsakes us not even when we come to die: he hails our closing eyes to the sight of the everlasting hills,' and offers to our grasp the crown of immortality.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus

1

'Christ, who according to his abundant

mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.

米

MAY the revelation of our future existence strengthen and support us amidst all the trials and troubles of life!-This effect it produced in a most remarkable manner, upon the first professors of our faith. Ani

* 1 Pet. i, 3, 4